How to disable the application-based F1 (Help Page shortcut) shortcut key?

To disable the F1 key specifically for explorer.exe, you can use an AutoHotkey-based script that uses a context-sensitive directive. First, download and install AutoHotkey from its official website (https://https://www.autohotkey.com/) . Once installed, right-click on your desktop, select New, and then choose AutoHotkey Script. You can name this file something like DisableF1.ahk.

Right-click your new script file and select Edit Script. In the editor, delete any default text and paste the following code block.

#HotIf WinActive("ahk_exe explorer.exe")
F1::return
#HotIf

This script works by checking if the active window process is explorer.exe before the F1 key is pressed. If it is, the return command tells Windows to do nothing, effectively silencing the key. The final #HotIf line ensures that F1 still functions normally in all your other programs, like your web browser or office apps. Save the file and double-click it to start the script; you will see a green H icon in your taskbar tray indicating it is running.

If you want this to work automatically every time you turn on your computer, you should move this script file into your Windows Startup folder. You can find this folder quickly by pressing the Windows key and R at the same time, typing shell:startup into the box, and hitting Enter. Simply copy your .ahk file into the folder that opens.

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hth

Marcin